BYU Opens with 37-point Win over Elon College

PROVO -- In the season opener for the men's basketball team, Mekeli Wesley scored 19 points in only 21 minutes to lead the Cougars past Elon College, 100-63, Tuesday at the Marriott Center.

In a game where BYU never trailed, the Cougars shined on both the offensive and defensive ends of the court. The BYU defense held the Elon Phoenix to just 37 percent shooting on the night, including 29 percent from three-point range.

"We've played a lot of good schools and BYU is one of the better defensive teams that we've ever faced," said Elon College Head Coach Mark Simons. "Steve has done a nice job. This is an NCAA tournament team."

On the offensive end, BYU shot a remarkable 71 percent from the field, including 80 percent in the second half and 75 percent from behind the three-point line in the second half.

All five of BYU's newcomers scored their first points as Cougars in the win. Daniel Bobik led them with 16 points, including two three-pointers, and Jacob Chrisman added 15.

"It was good that everyone had a chance to play," said BYU Head Coach Steve Cleveland. "That's the positive of a game like this. They came off the bench and scored some points, and that's great for the freshmen. A big part of basketball is confidence."

BYU started the game by jumping out to a 4-0 lead behind a Mekeli Wesley free throw and a Nathan Cooper three-pointer. The Cougars gradually increased the margin until they led by 19 at halftime.

Matt Montague hit a career-best two three-pointers on the night to help the Cougars to the victory. Motague hit his last three-pointer as time was running out to bring BYU to the 100-point mark.

Bobik and Terrell Lyday also had two three-pointers each. Cooper had 10 points and Lyday added 9. Four Cougars were in double figures and everybody on the team scored in the victory.

BYU is back in action on Saturday night when they take on UC Santa Barbara at 7 p.m. in the Marriott Center.